With stars in my eyes I approached him, despite my internal debate about being intrusive.
Sometimes a person is just that compelled.

His shock of white hair, long ‘floating’ gait, easily recognizable, I fell into step beside him.
“Mr. Whitlock?” He graciously shook my hand, eyes filled with kindness, voice as gentle as his calm manner.
This was surprising, since we were in the starting area of the London marathon.
Inspired, I was honoured to shake his hand. He sparkled.
“Are you racing today?” I asked. Laughing, he responded “probably not race, but participate ”.
Participating is an understatement.
Ed Whitlock is one of Canada’s greatest runners of all time.
He holds world records in the marathon, setting a blazing 3:41 at the age of 82, and achieving the world record title in the 4x 800 relay last year.
He can run a 6:44 mile.
When we parted ways, Ed called me ‘dear’ wishing me well in the marathon. His sparkle was infectious.

Sister Madonna Buder also called me dear. We met in the midst of a secluded climb in the bike segment of Ironman Canada 2006.
After a brief introduction, I wished the Iron Nun a great day, expressing my delight in meeting her.
We both agreed it was a beautiful day. Surrounded by mountains, and ponderosa pine, how could it not be? She beamed.
It occurred to me, at nearly half her age, it had taken me a good chunk of the 180k bike distance to catch her.
At 80 she took the world record title, the oldest person to complete an Ironman in 2012 on that same course.

With so many baby boomers approaching senior years, longevity is a hot topic for discussion among scientists, youth seekers and bloggers alike.

It has been the inspiration behind a recent book by Bruce Grierson “What makes Olga Run?”
A story of the 95 year old Canadian Masters Track and Field World Champion.
Scientists have been studying what makes Olga tick for years, from genetic, physical, physiological, to psychological testing.
They delved into her life experience, and stress responses.
Olga is wired with resilience, brimming with positive attitude.
She paints. She gardens.
She rarely sits idle. A key scientists say, to living a long healthy life.

Their theory? How we live our life, Nurture vs. Nature makes up for 75% in determining our longevity.
Choices, it ends up, matter.
Big time.
We don’t have to set records, but there are a few key ingredients scientists agree on.
The surprising factor uncovered is that it is never too late to start.
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I firmly believe if we aren’t at our best, we won’t deliver our best.
Health transcends to everything in our lives, our work, relationships, prevention of disease, endurance and happiness.
Taking care of my physical, mental, & emotional health, allows me to be of service to others, to weather storms of life and relish the bright days.
Laugh often. Start something today, and don’t stop, Olga says.

Peddling up a mountain last week, and painting the spot later in the fresh air was amazing.
The lookout stop nearby, many cars paused just long enough to roll down the window, and click photo on their phones,without leaving the confines of their car. Cigarette smoke lingered in their wake.

My guess is none of them were named Olga.
Sketching the blue mountains.